Smartphone Flash Aimer for Fast Barcode Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smartphone and tablet barcode scanning technologies are inefficient and slow due to the need for manual camera focusing and user error in maintaining the correct distance from the barcode, making them impractical for rapid inventory management.
Innovation Solution
An aimer device that uses the smartphone's flash to project an aiming beam, assisting users in correctly positioning the camera at the appropriate distance and focus for barcode scanning, enhancing autofocus performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual camera focusing is used for barcode scanning, then device complexity is reduced, but scanning speed and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs autofocus automatically without user intervention. The processor analyzes captured images to determine focus quality and triggers additional captures until optimal focus is achieved, enabling the system to self-correct focusing issues and eliminating manual focusing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical focusing is replaced with an automated electronic focusing system. The processor uses image analysis algorithms to assess focus quality and controls the camera to automatically adjust focus, replacing the need for manual mechanical intervention while significantly improving scanning speed.
2Measurement precision
If the camera is positioned close to the barcode for better visibility, then image quality improves, but autofocus performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors focus quality by analyzing captured barcode images. When the camera is too close to the barcode causing poor focus, the processor detects this through image analysis and triggers additional captures at adjusted distances until optimal focus is achieved, providing real-time feedback to correct positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image analysis to assess focus quality before finalizing the scan result. If the initial capture shows poor focus (indicating incorrect distance), the system automatically triggers additional captures at adjusted distances, ensuring proper focus is achieved before completing the scanning operation.
3Productivity
If dedicated barcode scanner hardware is used, then scanning speed and reliability improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone camera is designed to serve multiple functions including general photography, video recording, and automated barcode scanning. By implementing software-based autofocus and image analysis capabilities, the universal smartphone camera achieves dedicated scanner performance without requiring specialized hardware, eliminating the need for separate barcode scanning devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The aimer significantly improves scanning speed by up to ten times, making barcode reading rapid and accurate for inventory and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a digital camera having a camera lens and a built-in flash, emitting light via a flash aperture
Implementation Method 2
a digital camera having a camera lens and a built-in flash
Data Source
AI summary
An assisted aimer for rapid, accurate, and low-cost imaging of barcodes, includes a hand-held device, such as a smart phone or tablet, having a digital camera with built-in flash. a specialized software application executing on the phone, and an aimer apparatus attached in front of the flash aperture for forming an aimer beam at a predetermined distance. The aimer beam assists a user in accurately pointing the device at a target barcode. The aimer is attachable directly to the smart phone or camera, or is made a part of an enclosure that accepts the smart phone or tablet into a self-aligning receiving space. Aiming beam assistance enables the camera, its auto-focus, and the installed software application image processing to deliver rapid, snappy, barcode imaging.